The Christians, Gate Theatre

On of the biggest hits of the Edinburgh Fringe, The Christians, comes to Notting Hill's Gate Theatre.

The Christians, London transfer: Stefan Adegbola and William Gaminara

The Christians, Gate TheatreThe Christians, Gate TheatreLucy Brooks

After making a stir at the Edinburgh Fringe Festival, The Christians' London transfer is selling fast. Playwright Lucas Hnath's new show is a thought-provoking and meaty exploration of the issues surrounding organised religion.

Telling the story of the tensions and cracks within a religious community after the main Pastor (William Gaminara) has an epiphany, it extends beyond its evangelical subject matter to explore the nature of leadership and faith.

Unlike the sardonic satire of organised religion in The Book of Mormon, The Christians is slow and subtle without an ounce of mockery. It isn't edge-of-your-seat drama, but this fringe hit makes contentious issues into an engrossing, intelligent narrative.

THE GUARDIAN

Practical

ABOUT THE GATE THEATRE

The Gate is a pub-theatre just around the corner from Notting Hill Gate underground station. But though its studio space is small, it's one of the best Fringe theatres in London, with a reputation for international writing and a programme that's far more diverse than most Fringe theatres.

Its intimate space regularly attracts up-and coming talents alongside industry big-hitters and has been the focus of much critical acclaim over the years.

We recommend nearby

Prince Albert Pub

The Gate Theatre is just above the Prince Albert pub, the ideal space for a pre-dinner meal or a quick interval drink. But theatregoers be warned: there are no announcements to warn that plays are about to start or restart, so you'll need to keep an eye on the time.

Polpo Notting Hill

This is the fourth branch of Polpo, by Russell Norman, nestled on Notting Hill Gate. Seek it out for Venetian specialities such as sparkling spritzers, pizzette with yummy Italian toppings, and heartwarming meatball dishes.

Mazi

Mazi serves an authentic, yet refined Greek menu a stone's throw from Notting Hill Gate. Thessaloniki-born owner Christina Mouratoglou invites you to come together-'mazi' in Greek- over their sharing plates in the restaurant's sunny garden. Don't expect to see pitta and humous - which are Cypriot - and therefore don't appear on Mazi's menu! Instead order one of Mazi's particularly inventive cold jars, such as its delicious feta spread, which are accompanied by slivers of homemade bread.